Everton fans should recall Ellis Simms’ struggles on Merseyside before demanding Braiden Graham to be promoted to the first team.
Under the Hill Dickinson Stadium lights, Graham grabbed the headlines by scoring and assisting in Everton U18s’ win in the FA Youth Cup.
It is only natural to see some of the praise heading Graham’s way for his recent displays in the Everton youth sides.
Harrison Armstrong has compared Graham to Ronaldo Nazario after his impressive showing against Ipswich Town earlier this week.
The 18-year-old’s impressive goal record has many Everton fans demanding a promotion for the young forward amid Thierno Barry and Beto’s inconsistencies.
Which player do you think could be next to shine in Everton’s first team? 🤩
There's some really exciting youngsters currently at Finch Farm 🔥
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto/Matt McNulty.
However, fans have previously seen the likes of Simms shine in the academy, but struggle to translate that into the senior side.
Everton v Plymouth Argyle - The FA Youth Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Everton handed Ellis Simms warning amid Braiden Graham excitement
Simms was once Everton’s top goalscorer in the youth sides, but he really struggled to turn those figures into first-team action.
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Although different a style of striker to Graham, there are certainly some similarities in the path they have gone on at Finch Farm.
Everton U18s & U21s Ellis Simms Braiden Graham
Appearances 87 47
Goals 59 28
On Thursday, Leighton Baines was watching Everton’s U18s, with David Moyes’ assistant likely keeping a close eye on Graham.
Does David Moyes need to put more trust in Everton’s academy players? 😤
Surely some of these players can do better than Beto and Dwight McNeil! 😡
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
The 18-year-old forward was kept fairly quiet for a large part of the clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but he burst into life when it mattered.
Graham demonstrated his technical ability during the game against the Tractor Boys as he danced around their defenders to assist Ray Robert.
This is where Graham and Simms are different, as the current Everton youngster excels in his technical ability, but not his physicality.
Moyes is concerned about Graham’s lack of physicality and how that could prevent him from showcasing his talent in men’s football.
EFL loan for Braiden Graham would be huge Everton boost
Graham is impressing a lot of people back at Finch Farm as he continues to shine in the youth leagues.
Despite being 18, the forward has even showcased his talent in the Premier League 2, with seven goals in his 12 appearances this term.
Translating that into men’s football is a totally different story, though.
Everton’s two strikers may well be struggling for consistency in the Premier League, but that does not mean Graham should be thrown into the firing line.
Moyes has slowly developed Harrison Armstrong through various loan moves and that will surely be the same path he sends Graham on in his Everton career.
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